Pouring Sake, the right way...

[Tripitaka of AA]

At the Closing Ceremony, which is held just before the end of year, we will line up in the Dojo to formally end the year's training and look forward to the next. At this ceremony, we each come forward to take a sip of Sake from a shallow cup. The tot of Sake is poured into the cup from a small porcelain decanter in three short slurps. I mentioned this to my Japanese wife recently and she said it is usually done like that (meaning, the three pours).

Does anyone know why Sake is poured in this way?

[hyaku]

Good health, luck and longevity I think.

I will double check it out tomorow for you.

Hyakutake Colin

[hyaku]

Wow so many old ties that have come into present day customs.

Mostly three is a happy number. Nine is the summit of happiness. So in Otoso sets (For New Year) We have three cups too. Three cups three sips.

In the wedding ceremony three times means the forming of a deep relationship. Happiness health and unity.

Passing the cup three times meant Heaven, Earth, Human.

Banzai Sansho we shout banzai three times.

Hope this helps.

Hyakutake Colin

[Tripitaka of AA]

Thanks very much Colin... fascinating stuff. :)